Skopje, 24 October 2024 (MIA) - President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova met Thursday with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, exchanging views and information on the country's European integration process and the prospects for progress, as well as implementation of reforms and the benefits of the European Union's Growth Plan for the Western Balkans.

Extending gratitude for von der Leyen's personal engagement and commitment in terms of the enlargement, President Siljanovska Davkova pointed out that the Growth Plan is an important mechanism with great potential, which will speed up reforms, contribute to standardization, economic growth and progress, and bring the country closer to the European Union, President Siljanovska Davkova's Office said in a press release. 

Siljanovska Davkova noted that Macedonian institutions in several areas are ready for accelerated integration and inclusion in several initiatives and networks of the EU, expressing expectation that the integration process will be carried out based on the principle of merit and the Copenhagen criteria, while highlighting that these are the key to the country's development.

"Stressing the importance of maintaining the European Union's credibility in relation to the enlargement policy, the President pointed to the need for increased support from the European institutions in order to overcome bilateral challenges and speed up European integration. The President expressed readiness to further continue the dialogue, while emphasizing the importance of the new approach of gradual, phased integration to continue in parallel with the accession process," reads the press release. 

In the context of regional developments, President Siljanovska Davkova pointed out that the progress achieved by each candidate country from the Western Balkans has a positive effect on the regional dynamics of accession to the EU, stressing her commitment to further promoting overall regional cooperation in the interest of common stability, security and prosperity.

Photo: President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova's Office